54 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Shedding Light on Dark Sky: The Importance of Minimising Light Pollution In a world increasingly illuminated by artificial light, the Dark Sky lighting concept has emerged as a crucial initiative to protect the natural rhythms of life on Earth. Nocturnal light interrupts sleep and confuses the circadian rhythm—the internal, twenty-four-hour clock that guides day and night activities and affects physiological processes in nearly all living organisms. For billions of years, life on Earth has evolved in harmony with the natural cycle of day and night. This rhythm is encoded in the DNA of all living organisms, influencing everything from sleep patterns in humans to migration in animals. However, the advent of artificial lighting has significantly disrupted this delicate balance. Artificial light can confuse and disorient animals, particularly nocturnal species that rely on darkness for hunting, mating, and other essential activities. Insects, especially moths, are among the most affected. Drawn to artificial light, the attraction can prove fatal, leading to a decline in their populations. This decline has a ripple effect on ecosystems, as many species depend on insects for food and pollination. While the issue of light pollution is global, the United States is at the forefront of the Dark Sky movement. A notable example of proactive leadership in this area In a world increasingly illuminated by artificial light, the Dark Sky lighting concept has emerged as a crucial initiative to protect the natural rhythms of life on Earth. Nocturnal light interrupts sleep and confuses the circadian rhythm—the internal, twenty-four-hour clock that guides day and night activities and affects physiological processes in nearly all living organisms. is Chelan County PUD (Public Utility District) in Washington State. As a non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Chelan County, the PUD has implemented a program to replace commercial outdoor lights with Dark Sky compliant fixtures. Chelan County, home to the Wenatchee Valley—known as the "Apple Capital of the World"— understands the critical role that nocturnal pollinators, particularly moths, play in agriculture. Remarkably, moths can be responsible for up to 50% of apple pollination, a figure that underscores their importance. Recognizing the negative impact of light pollution on these vital pollinators, Chelan County PUD offers financial incentives to encourage the adoption of Dark Sky compliant lighting. These incentives, based on kWh savings, can cover up to 100% of project costs, making it easier for businesses to make the switch. Despite the evident benefits of Dark Sky lighting, many lighting specifiers and endusers continue to choose non-compliant luminaires. According to George Payas, Regional Marketing Manager (Western Europe) for the lighting manufacturer Glamox, this reluctance is probably not due to cost but rather a lack of knowledge. "There should usually be no extra cost to specify Dark Sky certified products," says Payas. "So why would anyone not choose luminaires that are kind to the environment we all live in? It’s a no-brainer." To bridge this knowledge gap, Glamox offers a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course titled "An Introduction to Dark Sky Lighting." The company is also leading by example with the launch of a Glamox
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